Who Is Della Beatrice Howard Robinson?
Della Beatrice Howard Robinson, born in 1934 in the United States, is best known as the first wife of the legendary musician Ray Charles. Before meeting the iconic singer, Della lived a relatively private life, away from the media spotlight. Her background, upbringing, and early career are not widely publicized, making her somewhat of a mystery to many fans of Ray Charles.
Though much of her life remains unknown, it’s clear that Della’s early years were modest. She grew up in the segregated South, which likely shaped her experiences and worldview. Della’s personal life before her marriage to Ray was quiet, and she worked in a variety of capacities, including as a secretary. Her intelligence and grace stood out, which might be why she caught the eye of Ray Charles, who was then on the rise to stardom.
Her marriage to Ray Charles, which lasted for 22 years, was pivotal in her life, bringing her into the public eye. Despite this, Della was known for maintaining a relatively low profile, even as her husband’s fame soared. Their life together was marked by both personal and professional challenges, which we will explore further in subsequent sections.
Early Influences and Relationship with Ray Charles
Della Beatrice Howard Robinson met Ray Charles in the early 1950s, at a time when Charles was beginning to establish his name in the world of jazz and blues music. Their relationship blossomed quickly, and they married in 1955. This union proved to be one of the most significant in both of their lives, with Della playing an instrumental role in Ray’s personal life during his rise to fame.
Della’s ability to manage the demands of being married to a superstar while raising a family is often understated. While Ray was on the road performing and dealing with his own personal struggles, Della took care of their household and children. This behind-the-scenes role was crucial, although it often went unrecognized by the public.
Della Beatrice Howard Robinson: The Woman Behind Ray Charles’ Success
Della Beatrice Howard Robinson was more than just Ray Charles’ wife—she was a central figure in his life and a key source of emotional support during his toughest years. While Ray’s musical genius was undeniable, Della’s role in his personal life cannot be overlooked. Their relationship was built on mutual respect, love, and shared challenges.
Ray Charles’ life, especially during the peak of his career, was tumultuous. As a man who faced personal demons including drug addiction, Della was often his stabilizing force. Their marriage was marked by both love and adversity, with Della standing by Ray through difficult times, including his struggles with addiction and infidelity.
Despite Ray’s infidelities, Della remained a constant presence in his life for many years. It was not only her loyalty to Ray that kept them together for over two decades, but also her resilience and ability to maintain a sense of stability in a life that was far from ordinary. Her support was crucial in helping Ray Charles become the international star he is remembered as today.
The Role of Della in Ray Charles’ Professional Life
Della’s influence on Ray Charles extended beyond her role as his wife and mother of his children. She played a significant part in managing the personal aspects of Ray’s life, which allowed him to focus on his music and performances. In the world of show business, where the pressures of fame can easily tear families apart, Della’s strength and dedication to Ray’s well-being were key factors that allowed him to flourish professionally.
In addition to her role as a mother and wife, Della was also a guiding force behind Ray’s relationships with his colleagues and the people around him. As Ray dealt with fame, Della provided the grounding that allowed him to focus on his music and career. This behind-the-scenes influence made her a critical part of Ray’s success, even though her contributions were often overlooked in the public eye.
The Marriage of Ray Charles and Della Beatrice Howard Robinson: A Love Story

Ray Charles and Della Beatrice Howard Robinson’s marriage, though long and filled with love, was far from simple. They married in 1955, and their union lasted for 22 years—during a time when Ray’s career was rapidly taking off. While much of their marriage was public, much about their relationship was kept private, giving it an air of mystery for many years.
Their love story began in a time when Ray Charles was still making a name for himself, and Della was there to support him every step of the way. Though Ray’s fame grew, Della was never the type to seek the limelight. Instead, she focused on keeping their family together while navigating the ups and downs that came with being married to a man of such immense celebrity.
While their love story was one of dedication and passion, it wasn’t without its complications. Ray’s well-documented battles with drug addiction, coupled with his infidelities, created significant strain in their marriage. Despite these challenges, Della stood by Ray, which showcased her strength and devotion.
The Joys and Struggles of Their Union
Over the course of their 22-year marriage, Ray and Della shared both joyful and difficult moments. They had three children together, and despite the turbulence in their relationship, their family was always at the center of their lives. The couple’s bond was deep, and they often relied on each other to get through the highs and lows of Ray’s career.
However, the pressures of Ray’s fame, combined with his personal struggles, eventually took a toll on their marriage. The couple separated in the late 1970s, and their divorce was finalized in 1977. Despite their separation, both Ray and Della remained a part of each other’s lives, with Della continuing to be a central figure in their children’s upbringing.
Their relationship, while complex, was also a testament to the strength of their love for each other, despite the obstacles they faced. Ray often spoke of Della with admiration, acknowledging her influence on both his personal life and career.
Ray Charles’ Divorce from Della Beatrice Howard Robinson: What Went Wrong?
Despite their long marriage, Ray Charles and Della Beatrice Howard Robinson’s divorce in 1977 marked the end of a significant chapter in both of their lives. Their relationship, while enduring, faced insurmountable challenges that ultimately led to their separation.
Ray Charles’ drug addiction was one of the key factors that contributed to the deterioration of their marriage. His battles with addiction affected not only his professional life but also his personal relationships, with Della bearing the brunt of his struggles. This, coupled with his infidelities, placed immense strain on their relationship.
Della, a woman who had always been a pillar of support for Ray, eventually found that she could no longer continue in the marriage. Their divorce was a painful but necessary decision, marking the end of an era for the couple. Despite the divorce, both Ray and Della remained on amicable terms, and Della continued to play a significant role in their children’s lives.
The Impact of Ray’s Addiction on Their Marriage
Ray Charles’ addiction to heroin was one of the most significant challenges that impacted his marriage to Della. While Ray was often in the public eye for his musical accomplishments, his personal life was marred by his struggles with substance abuse. Della, who had been a steady support throughout the years, eventually reached a breaking point.
While Ray’s addiction certainly contributed to the breakdown of their marriage, it wasn’t the sole reason. His infidelity and the pressures of living with a celebrity also played a part in their separation. For Della, it became clear that the relationship could no longer continue in its current form.
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Ray Charles’ Divorce from Della Beatrice Howard Robinson: What Went Wrong?
The breakdown of Ray Charles and Della Beatrice Howard Robinson’s marriage was a complex and deeply personal matter. Despite their long relationship, filled with both love and challenges, their divorce in 1977 was inevitable. A multitude of factors played a role in the end of their union, primarily revolving around Ray’s personal struggles.
Ray Charles’ Addiction and Its Toll on His Marriage
Ray Charles’ addiction to heroin was one of the most prominent issues in their marriage. His battle with substance abuse stretched for many years and led to constant strain in his personal relationships. Della, who had been by his side through thick and thin, was left to deal with the consequences of Ray’s addiction. This often caused emotional pain for her, as she saw the man she loved slipping deeper into a destructive cycle.
Despite Della’s support, Ray’s drug dependency remained an unshakable problem. His addiction made it difficult for him to be the husband and father his family needed, eventually leading Della to make the difficult decision to end their marriage.
Della Beatrice Howard Robinson Today: Where Is She Now?
After her divorce from Ray Charles, Della Beatrice Howard Robinson chose to lead a life out of the public eye. While Ray continued to be a prominent figure in the entertainment world, Della remained largely absent from the media spotlight. Over the years, she has kept a low profile, focusing on her children and living her life on her terms.
While there are few updates about her personal life, it’s known that Della has enjoyed relative peace since the divorce. She continues to live away from the public’s watchful eye, preferring privacy over media attention. Many wonder what she’s up to today, but Della has always valued her anonymity, away from the controversies and pressures of fame.
Life After Ray Charles’ Death
Ray Charles passed away in 2004, but Della Beatrice Howard Robinson continued to live her life with grace and dignity. Since Ray’s death, there have been no major public appearances or news involving Della. She remains a private individual, focused on her family and her personal well-being. Despite the fame of her late husband, Della has kept a strong distance from the limelight, choosing to remember her time with Ray as a personal chapter of her life.
Ray Charles’ Children: Della Beatrice Howard Robinson’s Legacy
Della Beatrice Howard Robinson’s legacy is also tied to her children. Together with Ray Charles, she raised three children: Ray Charles Jr., Robyn Charles, and Eddie Ray Charles. While their father’s fame cast a large shadow over their lives, Della worked hard to ensure that her children were raised with love and discipline.
Raising Children in the Spotlight
Despite the challenges of raising children with a famous father, Della was a devoted mother. She made sure that their upbringing remained as normal as possible, protecting them from the intense media scrutiny that came with their father’s success. After her divorce from Ray, Della continued to be a stable and loving presence in her children’s lives.
Her children, especially Ray Charles Jr., have spoken fondly of their mother, acknowledging her strength and dedication. Della’s role in raising them was pivotal, and they have all grown up to make their own marks in the world, away from their father’s shadow.
Ray Charles’ Family: A Look at His Children and Relationships with Della Beatrice Howard Robinson
Ray Charles’ family was at the center of his world, and his relationships with his children, especially those with Della Beatrice Howard Robinson, were crucial to his personal life. Della, alongside Ray, raised three children: Ray Charles Jr., Robyn Charles, and Eddie Ray Charles. These children have continued their father’s legacy and have each gone on to lead their own lives, separate from the shadow of their famous father.
Ray’s Legacy and His Children’s Journey
Ray Charles’ children have gone on to pursue careers in various fields, with Ray Charles Jr. being particularly involved in preserving his father’s musical legacy. The family has maintained a strong connection to Ray’s music and continues to honor his contributions to the music world. Though Della’s relationship with Ray was complicated, she remained devoted to raising their children and ensuring their success in life.
Conclusion
Della Beatrice Howard Robinson’s life, though often overshadowed by her famous marriage to Ray Charles, is a testament to her strength, resilience, and quiet influence. She played an important role in Ray’s personal and professional life, providing a stabilizing force during some of his most difficult years. While much of her life remains private, it’s clear that Della’s contributions to both Ray’s life and legacy are immeasurable.
Her journey from the shadows of Ray’s fame to a peaceful life after their divorce is a story of grace and quiet strength, and her legacy lives on through her children, who continue to honor their father’s memory.
FAQs
What happened to Ray Charles’ wife?
Ray Charles’ first wife, Della Beatrice Howard Robinson, divorced him in 1977. She has since lived a quiet life, staying out of the public eye.
How many children did Ray Charles have with Della B?
Ray Charles and Della Beatrice Howard Robinson had three children together: Ray Charles Jr., Robyn Charles, and Eddie Ray Charles.
Who was Ray Charles’ second wife?
Ray Charles’ second wife was Dory L. O’Neal, whom he married after his divorce from Della.
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